Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Cats and Dogs
After Ron made it abundantly clear that I wasn't allowed to share any stories from our childhoods, Sirius took charge. "The wolfishly handsome man sitting on your right is Remus Lupin", Sirius introduced to me; ignoring the exasperated and disapproving look of his fellow marauder. Though I'm not sure which part was more concerning to him. "Remus, this is Holly Weasley. One of the triplets that forced Peter out of hiding".
The small incline of Lupin's head paired with un-reacting eyes, cued me in that he had already figured as much. "It's nice to meet you, Holly". Lupin's voice was kind with long-lasting tiredness laced in.
"Hi", I said in response; knowing I was expected to say some sort of greeting but didn't really know what to say. "So, uh…." I started; leading into what I wanted to know. "Not to be rude, but why are you riding the Hogwarts Express?"
My attention was pulled away from Lupin when Hermione chimed in. Her face was still a little flushed from my earlier question, but she was recovering nicely. Quicker than Ron, at any rate. "Professor Lupin is going to be our new defense teacher", she said because if Hermione knows the answer to a question, she's going to jump in.
"Then", I said as I swiveled my head in Sirius' direction. "Why are you here?" I mean, I don't think it's terribly surprising that Sirius wasn't kept on as the defense teacher. He had been a fun substitute. An absolute hoot to have in the classroom. But it was hard imagining Sirius proctoring exams. In fact, the final exams we had for defense last year had kind of been a joke. Then there was assigning homework, grading homework, and writing lesson plans. None of those things described Sirius Black as a person.
Crossing his arms over his chest, Sirius' bottom lip popped out. "McGonagall said Remus was better suited to teach defense". From the way he was talking, it sounded like this had been a reoccurring conversation. Unfortunately for me, that didn't answer my question.
"Sirius is going to teach transfiguration instead". Harry supplied at what had probably been an expectant look on my face.
Transfiguration? I had to ask myself. It took a couple of seconds of me staring blankly at Harry before I recalled an important detail. "Right, McGonagall is the headmistress now", I expressed aloud; my left hand reaching up to brush the feather fixed in my hair out of guilt.
Not for the first time, I wondered where Dumbledore was; questioning if he really had traveled to Albania. Judging by the fidgety behavior of the golden trio sitting across from me, I wasn't the only one that felt a new school year without Dumbledore at the helm was off-putting. It had been unsettling; the way Dumbledore had left the school. And that's without adding in my guilt-ridden part.
"I still don't see why you couldn't teach transfiguration", Sirius said over my head to his friend. His inability to drop the subject corrected the mood in the compartment that had been spoiled by thoughts of the dismissed headmaster. Had he done that on purpose?
"Sirius", Lupin pleaded, his voice aching with fatigue. "I had higher marks on my NEWTS in defense while you scored higher in transfiguration. The both of us should just be happy we both got teaching positions without having completed any teacher training. McGonagall's taking a risk keeping you on and hiring me".
It was well-spoken, but you wouldn't know that going off on Sirius muttering to himself, "Defense is more fun".
"They're going to be our new heads of house too", Harry said brightly; expertly dodging what was probably working itself up to be friendly bickering.
Ron perked up as the last bit of color left his ears. "Should be brilliant". He spoke to Harry, despite sitting across from our two new heads. "Think we could get away with more than we did with McGonagall?"
Hermione scoffed. "Of course, not", she declared.
At the same moment, Sirius enthusiastically nodded his head. "We'll be easy", he promised. He seemed completely unaffected by the stick-in-the-mud looks both Lupin and Hermione were casting in his direction. Huh, this is looking up to be an interesting school year after all. And by that, I mean the good type of interesting school year. Where one of our teachers isn't trying to bring back You-Know-Who's glory days.
"But why are you both going to be Gryffindor's head of house?" I had to ask. Has there ever been more than one head per house?
Sirius let out a snort of a laugh. "That's because McGonagall doesn't trust us". Which… I bet that is half of the reason. You know, the half that just talked.
Meanwhile, Lupin used one hand to rub his eyes and massage the bridge of his nose. "McGonagall thought we were too inexperienced to handle a house on our own so she made us co-heads", he corrected. Though, I think it might just be the polite way of saying that she didn't trust them. "And I have a few… health concerns. So, it's better that we work together", Lupin finished. Ah, that makes more sense. McGonagall doesn't trust Sirius and Lupin would chronically be unavailable.
"When you were in school", Hermione started as she stood up and turned to the overhead wrack above her head. "Was McGonagall your head of house?" She asked looking over her shoulder at the two adults as she reached up towards a cat carrier; instantly drawing my attention to it. Is that….
Lupin nodded as Sirius answered, "Yes, she was. McGonagall has been around forever. Well, except not as long as Dumbledore…" Sirius trailed off as he realized the mood had been soured once more.
Opening the door to the cat carrier, Hermione pulled out a giant, long-haired ginger cat. Its tail twitched as Hermione reclaimed her seat and started cuddling it in her lap. The cat didn't look very pleased about Hermione's affections. But it wasn't hissing or trying to escape her arms. So, maybe the cat was just a grump by nature. Kind of like Jessie's grandpa had been. If memory serves.
Glancing in Ron's direction, I noted that he seemed completely unresponsive to the cat's presence. No Scabbers this time around; meaning no cat and mouse chases to make my little brother and his female friend bicker. Curious. I wonder if that will affect anything in the long run?
Deciding that it was my turn to save the mood, I asked, "So, if you were McGonagall's students but now that you are teachers, do you still have to call her Professor McGonagall?" I directed my question at the two people I was sitting between.
They passed another look over my head; suggesting that it wasn't something they had thought of before. "I suppose there's nothing wrong with us calling her Minerva", Lupin said slowly.
Sirius smacked his lips as if there was a bad taste in his mouth. "Feels a bit strange though", he supplied. And I imagine it would be. Kind of like calling your mum by her first name. Sirius shrugged as he asked, "should we try it?"
"Maybe in private", Lupin allowed; aware for us students watching this whole exchange. After all, it wouldn't do to set a bad example for his new students. That was more Sirius' style at any rate.
Grinning devilishly, Sirius suggested, "We should call her Minnie and see what happens".
"Merlin, no", Lupin's answer was immediate as he gave a hurried shake of his head. "She'd fire us on the spot".
It was chaotic getting off the train. The kind of chaos that made it easy to lose your companions. Not that I was trying to stay together with Ron and company. But I encountered a novel experience of standing on the platform alone as everyone rushed around me to get to the carriages. Understandable, considering that it was raining. Well, more like a drizzle. Still, if I didn't want to be drenched for the feast, I'd better hurry up and find a carriage myself. Except, despite knowing what I should do, I stood still. A surreal sort of feeling washed over me as I watched the world continue without me moving forward. Sort of like those rare moments when you just stop and take in what your environment had to offer. Smelling the roses, so to say. Holding my palms out, I took a moment to appreciate the sensation of water dripping onto my hands as I breathed in the freshly fallen rain smell. This year is going to be great. Well… with the exception of it being our OWL year. That part is going to be heavy. But still, this year will be great. Normal teachers who don't have dreams of mass destruction. No monsters to fight or maneuver around. It'll be like my second and first years. Before the golden trio graced Hogwarts' halls and everything got turned on its head.
"There you are", A slightly peeved voice said, snapping me out of my peaceful reflective moment. Lowering my hands, I twisted my torso so I could see who had spoken. Adrian approached on my left; dressed in his school robes with his new prefect badge gleaming on his chest. He had his wand pointed upwards with an active umbrella spell keeping his immaculate self dry. "I tried to find you after the prefects' meeting let out", Adrian continued as he came to halt in front of me. "I found thing one and thing two, but they refused to tell me where were". Adrian finished with a glare; as if Fred and George not cooperating with him was my fault.
Shrugging, I gave my boyfriend a lopsided smile. "Sorry, they don't like listening to people with authority", I apologized without meaning it. It's not like any of this was a shock. "We got to the station late, so there wasn't any room for the three of us to stay together", I explained as I pulled out my own wand to cast the umbrella spell. Although it didn't matter a whole lot at this point. I already had water dripping off the ends of my hair. "I sat with Ron, his friends, and the new teachers. Did you know that your brother is teaching transfiguration this year?"
Adrian sighed as he offered me his arm. It was a very chivalrous thing for him to do, considering that as soon as I had accepted, one side of his robes became slightly damp. "Don't call him my brother, but yes", Adrian breathed out as we started for the carriages. "That's all he wanted to talk about this summer. To think that I'll have to suffer through an entire year of him", Adrian grumbled as the leather of our shoes thumped against the wet earth. But he wasn't fooling me. After all the time we've spent together, I could catch the part of his tone that was tinged with kinship.
A line had formed of students waiting for available carriages, so we were forced to stay still; watching in silence as Hagrid led the latest batch of first years past us towards the boats. There were unspoken words between us. Ones we hadn't gotten a chance to speak since our expedition got interrupted. I felt them now, like when there's a pebble in your shoe and it takes a few steps before you recognize what's causing you discomfort. "Early, you said you were trying to find me. Why?" I asked as I fought to keep my voice casual.
Adrian's gaze landed on me and he stared as if I had grown a second head. "It's our anniversary", he stated as we moved up in line.
And, yes. I was aware of that fact. I hadn't forgotten. Honestly, it's a bit hard to forget an anniversary when it lands on the same day as the annual train ride back to school. Finding it easier not to look at him, I stared at the tree line as another carriage pulled away with a full load and we moved forward once more. "I didn't think you'd want to mark the occasion", I admitted; trying to sound at peace at it. It probably wasn't working. But at least I didn't sound scornful. "Not when you think I tried to sell you some tall tale".
With my arm being wrapped around his, Adrian had no problem pulling us both out of line; whirling me around so we could stand face to face. A moment passed with only the sounds of our peers chattering amongst themselves and the raindrops bouncing off our umbrella spells. Steely grey eyes that bore into my browns projected a certain level of indignation that have me giving Adrian my undivided attention. "Holly, I followed you into an unknown underground location in the castle. My parents offered you a betrothal contract to marry me! I put up with that prank when you were sending Stimpson fake letters-"
"You gave me a necklace that you can track me with", I'm not sure why I was contributing. Especially when it seemed to help Adrian make his point. Maybe because it sounded like things were working in my favor… partially. The not believing me bit was still unfortunate. I
"Exactly!" Adrian exclaimed, gaining some confused looks from Diggory and crew as they stepped up into where we had previously been standing in line. "I even-" Adrian continued before cutting himself off. He looked around, using the corner of his eyes before arching his neck and placing his mouth close to my ear. "I even used an unforgivable on a man that was a danger to you". The memory of that event sent a shiver up my spine. With that said, Adrian withdrew. Not very far; just enough to make eye contact once more. Although, it was a bit difficult considering that our noses were almost touching. "Do you really think I'd do all that if I was just going to let you go at the first sign of doubt?"
The honest answer spilled out before I could reflect on it a bit more. "As Jessie, I dumped boyfriends for far less". No joke. As Jessie, I literally kicked one guy to the curb when he came clean about secretly liking talk radio.
"I'm not you", Adrian retorted. "I know what I want and I pursue it without second-guessing myself".
Oh, that was a statement just waiting to be challenged. "No second thoughts? Not even when I told you that you used to be a fictional character?"
Adrian sighed heavily as frustration became more evident in his posture. "I believe you", he said forcefully. But at my raised eyebrow he elaborated. "I believe you have your facts right; I believe you've changed and prevented certain events. I just think that your… acquisition is flawed". I scoffed and attempted to pull away, but Adrian wouldn't let me. Keeping his voice hushed to avoid potential listeners, Adrian suggested, "maybe the person who killed you was magical. Maybe that's how you know these things. You did tell me that you can never remember your murderer. And-and you made up this book series you keep mentioning because that was easier the remembering the monster that killed you".
And wasn't that just a lovely attempt at psychology? There were so many points for me to argue, and I wanted to. I wanted to dig my heels in and insist that my memories regarding J.K. Rowling was not my brain's way of coping with a horrendous death. But I didn't. Mostly because I could recognize when I was trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Adrian wouldn't believe me. Couldn't believe me. Not until I could get my hands on a Harry Potter book. So, I took a moment to inhale deeply and changed course to a problem we could resolve today. "Does this mean you're not ending our relationship?"
"Holly", Adrian spoke firmly; he leaned in a bit so the tips of our noses brushed against each other. "You have everything I want. The day I let you go is the day you force me to".
Hmm, I thought as I just about melted. I liked that answer. But before this moment could progress any further it was derailed by someone that I clearly hadn't embarrassed enough earlier in the day. "What the bloody hell are you doing to my sister!?"
If I had been at home, I'd have leaped away from Adrian like he was a hot potato. However, since there were no worries of Mum or Dad walking in to see how pressed together Adrian and I had been standing, I didn't bother. Instead, as Adrian tensed, I leaned around my boyfriend to frown in displeasure at my younger brother. He was standing in between Ron and Hermione, looking personally offended on my behalf. Silly boy; interrupting a nice moment. Meanwhile, Harry was doing everything he could to not look in Adrian's and my direction; shifting back and forth on his feet to handle his awkwardness. And Hermione… well, she seemed to be oscillating between emotions of apologetic embarrassment and shellshocked discomfort. You the kind; like when you walk in on something you don't want to see.
"I lost track of you three as soon as we stepped off the train", I said flatly, my tone only rubbing Ron the wrong way even more. "How did you get behind me?"
As Ron fumed next to him, Harry coughed weekly into a closed fist. Still refusing to look at us, he answered, "We stopped to talk with Hagrid". And I guess that explains how they could have ended up behind me.
Adrian broke away, turning to face the golden trio, his wand still held up to repel the rain. As was mine. "Please don't yell accusations like that", Adrian spoke directly to my little brother. "People might get the wrong idea".
"Then don't stand so close to my sister", Ron demanded; pointing an enraged finger at Adrian to emphasize his point.
"Ron", Hermione tried to interject as a few heads from other students turned in our direction.
"Aww" I voiced in mock complaint; deciding to have a little fun with Ron since he presented the opportunity to me. "But I like it when he stands close. Us pressing against one another. Our faces were so close that all we can see is each other. With no space in between us, we can-"
"Holly", Adrian sharply stepped in before I could get more graphic. It's just as well too. Ron was starting to look a bit green in the face at my description, while Harry had taken to staring at his shoes; as if pretending he was somewhere else. When I managed to keep my mouth shut for a solid five seconds, Adrian said to Ron. "I promise your sister is safe with me". Then with a side-eyed glance in my direction, Adrian added deprecatingly. "In fact, out of the two of us, I suspect it's my virtue that is more at risk in this relationship".
Ignoring the traumatized third-years standing before us, glance up at my boyfriend. "You say that like you wouldn't enjoy it".
With his patience running low, Adrian sighed like he was ready to turn in for the night. "You're incorrigible", he informed me. Before turning to rejoin the vastly shorter carriage line.
